Bullfinch

Pyrrhula pyrrhula

About

The Bullfinch is a large, plump finch which feeds on buds and fruit in woodlands, hedgerows, parklands, gardens and orchards. Beautiful, easy to tame and skilful at mimicry, it was often taken as a cage-bird in times past. Shy and secretive, its melancholy call may be the only indication of its presence in a thicket. Bullfinches usually nest in shrubs, such as hawthorn and blackthorn, making a flimsy nest out of twigs and moss.

Where to find it

Habitats

When to find it

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How can people help

Bullfinch numbers decreased significantly over recent decades, but have since been recovering. Changes in agricultural practices, such as the removal of hedgerows, and the loss of woodland habitat, had detrimental effects on this bird, but work by The Wildlife Trusts to promote wildlife-friendly practices and sympathetic woodland management have helped it to survive. You can help too, by providing food and water for garden birds. To find out more about gardening for wildlife, visit our Wild About Gardens website: a joint initiative with the RHS, there's plenty of facts and tips to get you started. To buy bird food or feeders, visit the Vine House Farm website - an award-winning wildlife-friendly farm which gives 5% of all its takings to The Wildlife Trusts.